UPDATE 1-Syrian forces kill 50 in Hama clashes - residents

August 02, 2012|Reuters

BEIRUT, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Syrian forces killed at least 50people, among them 21 members of three families, during clasheswith rebels in the central city of Hama, activists and residentssaid on Thursday.

"During the clashes the army entered the neighbourhood ofArbaeen and conducted raids, during which they killed members ofthree families," resident Abu Ammar told Reuters from the city.

He said among the dead were 10 members of the Kanan family,eight from a family named Okda and three from the Saffaf family.

Another resident said the clashes continued and rebels haveappealed to fighters in other parts of the city for help.

Syrian forces besieged the Arbaeen district in the earlyhours of Thursday, residents said, adding that the army wasusing mortars and tanks to attack the neighbourhood.

"We are unable to flee and many families are trapped insidetheir houses," a resident said.